Ice. It’s frozen water, so what’s the big deal? Just as drinking champagne from a flute instead of a plastic cup changes the experience, good ice can drastically improve your beverage.

In The Ice Book, cocktails and spirits expert Camper English details how to use directional freezing, which eliminates trapped air and impurities, to create the ultimate drink garnish. Taking it a step further, English reveals how to include objects in ice, from flowers to citrus wheels to photos, as well as how to use ice to create bowls and cups for serving. Featuring striking color photos throughout, this handy guide offers clear directions; suggestions for projects and experiments; practical advice on how to store ice properly; and recommendations on what types of ice-cracked, crushed, or cubed-go best with which drinks.

Both instructional and inspirational, The Ice Book will help you take your beverages to the next level while learning a little science along the way.